Brassinosteroid-mediated stress adaptation and signaling networks in Brassicaceae crops.

MAIN CONCLUSION: This review proposed that Brassinosteroids could be used to enhance stress tolerance in Brassicaceae plants. Brassinosteroids (BRs), a key class of phytosterol hormones, are pivotal regulators of stress tolerance in Brassicaceae plants. As model and economically vital crops, Brassicaceae (e.g., Arabidopsis thaliana, oilseed rape, and kale) have been central to BRs signaling research. Although our understanding of BR-mediated stress resistance in Brassicaceae has greatly advanced, there remain opportunities to broaden the scope of existing reviews. A more comprehensive analyses of specific areas, such as the BR signaling cascade and its synergistic networks with other hormones, would be highly beneficial. This review summarizes recent advances in BR-mediated Brassicaceae stress tolerance, focusing on delineating the underlying BR signaling cascades, synergistic cross talk with other phytohormones, and molecular interactions governing biotic and abiotic stress responses. It highlights the unique characteristics of BRs in Brassicaceae, as well as their regulatory preferences in species-specific stress pathways. This review aims to offer valuable guidance for future research and provide a theoretical basis for developing BR-based strategies to enhance stress tolerance in Brassicaceae plants.